You’ve scheduled your senior photo session, your outfits are (mostly) picked out, and now you’re wondering… “How do I actually get ready to feel confident and look my best on camera?” Take a deep breath – you’re in the right place. At Evelyn June Photography, I specialize in making seniors feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves in front of the lens. This senior picture guide walks you through how to prep for your big day – from hair and makeup tips to confidence-boosting tricks – so you walk into your senior session feeling like a star.

Let’s get you camera-ready!

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1. Start with Self-Care

The most stunning portraits begin before the camera ever clicks.

😴 Go to bed early 2-3 nights before – Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep for the two days leading up to your senior session. A well-rested face naturally looks brighter, fresher, and more vibrant.

💧 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – Drinking water is actually your skin’s best friend. It helps minimize breakouts and creates that gorgeous glow that even makeup can’t replicate. Happy skin will also allow for smoother makeup application.

🧖‍♀️ Nourish your skin – Stick to your usual skincare routine the week of your session. This isn’t the time to try new products! Gently exfoliate a day or two before your session to keep skin smooth (but avoid harsh treatments or peels right before!).

A little self-care goes a long way – plus you’ll feel the difference just as much as you see it.

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2. Hair Prep 101 – Make it Work for the Camera

Whether you’re planning beachy waves, a soft blowout, or your signature ponytail, your hair should feel authentically “you” – just a little elevated.

👩‍🎨 Professional styling? Yes, please. If you can, I always recommend working with a trusted professional stylist. Great hair enhances your natural beauty and makes you feel more polished and confident in front of the camera.

✂️ Be careful making a big change – Avoid dramatic new cuts or colors right before your session. You never know how you’ll end up feeling after a big chop and you want to feel like yourself on session day – not awkwardly trying to find yourself amidst a new do. Get your cut and color freshened up about a week before your session.

🧴 Prep matters – Wash and dry your hair the night before or morning of your session (unless instructed otherwise by your stylist). Avoid heavy products that can weigh your hair down or make it look oily on camera.

Remember: movement matters. My posing style uses lots of natural motion, so having hair that can flow and bounce adds beautiful dimension and visual interest to your portraits.

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3. Makeup That Enhances – Not Hides

This is not the time to cover up what makes you you. My goal is always to highlight your features and let your natural beauty shine.

💄 Go soft and camera-friendly – Think medium coverage, matte foundation (shiny skin can reflect flash), neutral/brown eyeshadow, defined lashes, groomed brows, and a lip color that makes you feel confident.

📸 Pro tip: Makeup reads lighter on camera – What feels like “too much” in real life may look perfectly balanced in photos – cameras and flash will slightly tone down and wash out. If you’re doing your own makeup, test it in natural light and take a few selfies beforehand to have a better idea of how it will look on camera.

✨ Not a makeup expert? No stress. I recommend seniors get professional hair & makeup before their senior session. Professional stylist are more familiar with what translates well on camera – plus it helps you feel like your best self for session day!

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4. Dress with Confidence

You’ve probably heard me say this before, but I’ll say it again: the right outfit can make all the difference.

👗 Choose pieces you love – When you feel great in what you’re wearing, it shows in every photo. Stick to colors that flatter your skin tone and styles that reflect your personal vibe – here’s an article to find the best colors for your skin tone.

📘 Use your Style Guide – As part of the Premium Senior Experience, you’ll receive an exclusive senior picture guide to help you plan outfits, accessories, and beauty details. PLUS, all EJP clients get a personalized guided styling consult before their session day to go over outfit options, accessories, hair & makeup, props, and more! It’s when the whole photoshoot vibe starts coming together. No guessing, no stress, just confidence. Here is our What to Wear inspo board.

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5. Confidence Is Your Best Look

Here’s the absolute truth: You don’t need to be a model to look amazing on camera. You just need a little guidance – and I’ve got you.

📸 I guide you every step of the way – From the moment you show up at your first location, I’ll direct you with easy, movement-based posing that feels natural and effortless. No stiff smiles or awkward angles.

🎵 Bring your favorite music – Want to loosen up? Create a playlist of your favorite feel-good songs and we’ll play them during your session.

👯‍♀️ Bring a hype person – If you have a friend or parent who makes you laugh and feel like your best self, invite them along. Confidence is contagious!

💖 Be yourself – This is a celebration of who you are right now. Trust me, you are more photogenic than you think.

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You’re More Ready Than You Know

Senior portraits should be fun, stress-free, and unforgettable. With the right prep and a photographer who sees the real you (👋 hi, that’s me!), you’ll leave your session feeling empowered and excited.

And don’t worry, we’ll walk through everything together in your pre-session consultation, so when the day comes, all you have to do is show up and shine.

✨ Ready to book the Premium Senior Experience or have questions about how to prep? Contact me here and let’s chat about making your senior picture session perfect from start to finish.

You’ve got this. Let’s capture the real, radiant you.